City of Tucson Seeks Old Photos and Stories of Tucson House
Published on October 04, 2023
Do you have photos of Tucson House from its early years? Do you know someone who lived or worked there or in the surrounding neighborhoods 60, 50, or 40 years ago? The City of Tucson’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) invites you to contribute to the rich history of Tucson House, a 17-story apartment complex that opened in 1963 as the pinnacle of luxury living in Tucson. We want to hear your stories and see your photos!
Tucson House currently stands as the city’s largest public housing facility with over 400 apartments. Thanks to a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Thrive in the 05 area, Tucson House will undergo a transformative renovation, securing its role as affordable housing for decades to come.
Tucson House holds a special place in Tucson’s history as a contributing structure to the Miracle Mile Historic District, once featured in TV Guide and Time Magazine. Sixty years ago, when its ornate lobby doors first opened, Tucson House stood as the city’s tallest building, a new attraction along the historic “Miracle Mile Strip.” It proudly declared itself "a city within a city," offering amenities like limousine service, recreational activities, beauty and barber shops, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
How to Participate:
- Submit online. Share your historic photos and memories using the online form at: Call for Historic Photos and Stories of Tucson House (arcgis.com)
- Submit in person. Contact Ernesto Portillo to schedule a time to scan your photos or share your story in person: Ernesto Portillo, ernesto.portillo@tucsonaz.gov
- Attend the Tucson House History Community Meeting. The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation will share more about the Historic Miracle Mile and its role in Tucson history, project architects from Poster Mirto McDonald will give an overview of the preservation work to occur at Tucson House, and a sample of the stories and photos collected from the community will be shared.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 5:30 pm Sentinel Building, 320 N Commerce Park Loop
RSVP for in-person or virtual here
To be included in the Community Meeting, photos and stories must be submitted by October 20, 2023. Your involvement in this community-driven effort will help us create a more vibrant and connected Tucson House, preserving its storied past while embracing a bright future. Join us in celebrating Tucson House's history and ensuring its legacy. If you need support such as Spanish language interpretation, sign language interpretation or other access needs, please contact Ernesto Portillo at 520-403-5709 or ernesto.portillo@tucsonaz.gov. Please allow ample time to make these arrangements.